Great days out with the kids
Choose Basingstoke and Deane for days out with the kids with top family attractions
1. Get blown away at iFLY
Basingstoke is proud to be one of only four iFLY indoor skydiving locations in the UK where you can experience the feeling of freefall as you float in the air. They welcome flyers aged from three to one hundred years old and of all abilities. iFLY is located at Basingstoke Leisure Park. You will find plenty of other activities to make a day of it here including Milestones Museum (more below!), Hollywood Bowl, Odeon cinema, the Aquadrome, Knights Realm Adventure Golf and plenty of free parking.
Find out more about iFLY →
2. Head back in time at Milestones Museum, Hampshire’s museum of living history
Stroll along the cobbled streets and travel through time in this fantastic immersive experience. There is something for all ages, from vintage vehicles, traditional sweet shop, penny arcade with retro games. Did you know that with your ticket, you can visit as many times as you like within one year from the date of purchase and under-fives are free?
Find out more about Milestones Museum →
3. Enjoy a great day at The Vyne National Trust
National Trust property The Vyne, is an impressive former Tudor powerhouse turned 17th Century family home, set in stunning gardens and leafy woodlands. Explore the intimate house, wander through rooms once enjoyed by notable guests like Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Jane Austen. Perhaps explore a trail, discover secret picnic spots, have a slice of cake in the Tudor tearoom and let little ones go wild in the natural play area. Keep an eye on events taking place throughout this year including live music, outdoor cinema, outdoor theatre, trails and picnics.
Find out more about The Vyne →
4. Explore Whitchurch including Whitchurch Silk Mill
Surrounded by picturesque countryside and sweeping chalk downland, this charming town contains many notable buildings, including historic Whitchurch Silk Mill. Watch the looms and waterwheel in operation, see various exhibitions and visit the café of Britain’s only working Silk Mill that is still operating in its original building. The waters of the River Test have provided the silk mill with its power for over 200 years. Tickets for under-fives are free. Discover more of Whitchurch, by taking a walk and explore the independant shops. It is easily reached off the A34 (south) and M3 from Winchester, A34 (north) and M4 from Newbury and the A303 from the southwest.
Find out more about Whitchurch Silk Mill →
5. Create memories at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park and Family Farm
Expect fun, adventure, farming and nature at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park. There is so much to do including a petting barn, tractor rides, laser tag, giant slides, pedal boats, inflatables and more. In the summer the centre of the park becomes its own beach with pools, a slip slide and a large sand pit! All activities are included within the ticket price, so you can play all day once you enter. 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park is easily accessible off the A339 in between Basingstoke and Newbury. Ticket prices vary by age and children under the age of one visit free.
Find out more about 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park and Family Farm →
6. Basing Wood
Located to the north of Basingstoke near Popley and Chineham is Basing Wood where you can enjoy the vast expanse of woodland all year round. You’ll find three main walking trails, large open spaces and picnic benches. The kids will enjoy a nature play area including swings, rocks to climb, tree stumps to navigate and a large concrete tunnel to scramble through. Full of interesting wildlife and insects, you may be lucky enough to spot deer,rabbits or even froglets and protected great crested newts in the natural pond by the play area.
Find out more about Basing Wood →
7. Crabtree Plantation
Just minutes from Basingstoke town centre, Crabtree Plantation can be entered via the arch off the A30 between Old Basing and Basingstoke or from Black Dam Ponds car park area. Park in the free car park and you are met with beautiful woods, open fields with fantastic views across the borough. Great for walking, cycling, flying a kite or just take a picnic, stop, relax and enjoy the surroundings. Follow one of the main woodland paths, which is suitable for prams and the land will drop to reveal a children’s play area. From here venture through the nature reserve and the underpass to Black Dam Ponds. Children will enjoy a play park, watching the swans and mallards and spotting the abundance of wildlife on the ponds.
Find out about Crabtree Plantation →
8. Beggarwood Park
Beggarwood Park as a great place to spend a few hours on a weekend. The park includes a children’s play area which is suitable for toddlers and those up to the age of 12. There is a pump track for BMX and mountain bikers, skateboarders, roller bladers and scooter riders. Outside of the park and pump track there is plenty of open space to enjoy. If, after all the fresh air, you are in need of some refreshments then the Café in the Park and Beggarwood Community Centre is open on weekends and the Holly Blue pub adjoins the park and has a menu packed with traditional favourites and modern dishes.
Find out more about Beggarwood Park →
9. Eastrop Park
Located just a short walk from Basingstoke town centre, this popular park is the perfect place for the kids to let of some steam. The park includes a boating lake, seasonal padding pool, tree trail, trim trail and large children’s play area. It benefits from two car parks on the site but can also be reached with ease by cycling or walking with pathways throughout the park, suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. If it’s a hot day, you can always cool down with an ice cream or cold drink served from the boathouse during the summer months. Eastrop Park has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award for 2024 for the 25th year running.
Find out more about Eastrop Park →
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